Hasselblad XCD Lens Guide

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In this video I dive deep into all ten (as of Oct 2020) Hasselblad XCD lenses with the goal of helping you navigate their strengths, weaknesses and ultimately decide which is right for you. I also share some of my best rural landscape and rural decay work I've been working on with this system over the past six months.
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📷 GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO
Hasselblad X1D II 50C: geni.us/BCasPCg
Hasselblad XCD 35-75mm F3.5-4.5 Zoom Lens: geni.us/qfye76
Hasselblad XCD 21mm f/4: geni.us/bvMQH
Hasselblad XCD 30mm f/3.5: geni.us/j6wMlCn
Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/3.5: geni.us/ALZAdQ
Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/4 P: geni.us/5XiBH
Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8: geni.us/0DnR
Hasselblad XCD 80mm f/1.9: geni.us/dX7S
Hasselblad XCD 90mm f/3.2: geni.us/iDWf
Hasselblad XCD 120mm f/3.5: Macro: geni.us/8W9zoG
Hasselblad XCD 135mm f/2.8: geni.us/e5RW
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⌚ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Hasselblad Lens Guide
02:10 Overarching themes / conclusions
05:30 Side by side comparisons
07:18 35-75mm F3.5-4.5
10:03 21mm f/4
11:23 30mm f/3.5
12:47 45mm f/3.5
13:51 45mm f/4 P
15:20 65mm f/2.8
16:19 80mm f/1.9
17:48 90mm f/3.2
19:26 120mm f/3.5
20:51 135mm f/2.8
22:22 My top picks
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[@sparkliteto]

I never comment on KZbin videos but I think you’ve done Hasselblad an incredible service here. Honestly, this videos is no doubt selling cameras and lenses for them. They should make you a brand ambassador just for this incredible video - a one of a kind on KZbin and the only truly useful lens guide for the system I’ve been able to find. Extremely well done. Most importantly, excellent photography. Your urban decay work is an inspiration and I hope you return to producing some videos on MF / ‘bald gear.

[@thomasat3822]

+1

[@Behind_the_Lens_Photo]

Def. agree this video is probably one of the best I have seen for hasselblad very well done Andrew Great work

[@mikegarcia8079]

Even though this video is 19 months old, it is a timeless review packed with great info. Belated thanks!

[@danielscheerer3032]

I know this is an old video now, but it is STILL the best Hassy video out there - thanks SO much for doing it. I owned the 907x for a while and LOVED it, but due to a couple of weaknesses, traded it for a GFX 50SII. Big mistake. All cameras have weaknesses, but while the Fuji is a wonderful workhorse, it is also so heavy, particularly carrying it with multiple lenses, not to mention it's lack of inspiration,so I just stopped enjoying and using it. I'm now going BACK to the 907x and have to wade through the (expensive!) lens options, so this video is helping me figure out my path through. At this stage, I wonder if they have any plans to add to the collection. Only time will tell - thanks for your contributions here!

[@GuamPhotography]

One of the first things that I did when I purchased an X1D system is change the aperture in the menu settings to 'Full' instead of 'Normal', so when I shoot wide open the 'bokeh balls' are round and not hexagonal shaped, did some tests, and its still very sharp at the 'Full' setting.

[@Will_i_art]

You have no idea how helpful this review was, so greatful, thank you!

[@perraultstudios7010]

Andrew, great reviews and I totally agree with your assessments. I currently own the 45p, zoom, 80mm & 135 + extender. Surprisingly to me I use the 45p the most...it's SO small and compact and a dream to use I just leave it attached to my X1D sling it over my shoulder and take it EVERYwhere. I hardly even notice I have it on...and can just sling it around when something captures my eyes. I never thought I'd be SO happy with it. Anyway, keep up the good work and look forward to more of your content. Cheers, Wes

[@ignaciocruzatcorrea3595]

Amazing episode. Finally someone made a small review of each Hasselblad X lens. Thank you so much. Great job!!!

[@baharam98]

Hands down, this is the most useful XCD Lens Guide in the world. THANK YOU.

[@WS-bk7uu]

Love your recent photos Andrew! I could also spend hours listening to your reviews, even though I have no intention of buying a Hasselblad!

[@Robert-ko6wr]

Nicely done! Comprehensive, well balanced and unbiased. You don’t find that very often. Thank you. Helped tremendously.

[@nunosantos8784]

The colours are just amazing... and your photos are wonderful.

[@nadijaweeraratne7687]

Finally, a clear concise description & explanation. Thank you very much. Appreciate it very much. I wish you the very best in your future endeavors!

[@JohnKrill]

I watch all your videos even though I already have the camera I want, an X-Pro 2, I already have the lenses I want, 16mm f2.8, 23mm f2.0, 27mm f2.8, and a 50mm f2.0. So why do I watch all these reviews? Entertainment. Keep up the good work and I will continue watching.

[@Pk-qz8jy]

Great effort man. No one had ever posted such a brief explanation 👍👍. Keep doing great 👏👏

[@rodriguezahr]

This is like winning a lottery tickets for those like me who are thinking to switch to Hasselblad. This review is all one need to step into medium format world and it might be an encouraging one to do so too for those who are still hesitant. Thanks for putting all the time and effort making it.

[@sailonstellarwinds]

Your work is so beautiful, Andrew.

[@lysolboss]

Great work, happy to see this huge project work out for you and especially happy that it gives all this information for people

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Much appreciated!

[@antoniolabayen8288]

Thank you for the enlightening review. You covered some great details like filter size, weight and cost comparison, which I find very important.

[@madrobotgames2677]

I enjoy your no-nonsense videos, Andrew. Thanks for your work.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Glad you like them!

[@peasantrobot]

Speechless! Thank you Andrew, this has become my guide regarding this system! A system that i will dream to have it and, if not, is something that I will recommend to my daughter.

[@maxdmachy]

Not to forget - great effective and comprehensive run through a big topic. Particularly love the panoramic samples, again!

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Many thanks!

[@michaelanderberg]

Thank you very much for an excellent review and it has helped me a lot in understanding the various XCD-lenses! I hope, as more come out, that Hasselblad keeps sending them to you for review.

[@Chris-ey7zy]

The colors looks incredible

[@patrikfager7796]

Superb content, even in 2023! Thanks!

[@ianstewart9153]

Practical, comprehensive and helpful. Thank you.

[@linjasonlin]

Thanks for a fantastically useful and candid review.

[@di4378]

Excellent, Excellent review!

[@HitAndMissLab]

This video is so useful its beyond explanation. Manufacturers should really have insight to give all the lenses to one reputable KZbinr to examine them like Andrew Goodcamera did. Information like this, particularly about the sharpness, removes so much uncertainty when one is making very expensive decisions.

[@groovejunky2549]

Great photos, Andrew! Thank you for the in depth comparison and overview of this system. It was certainly something that was missing before you took it on.

[@onewineproduction1823]

Great work! Very interesting to have it all reviewed at once!! 👏👏👏🙏

[@JamesBellLandscapePhotography]

Very comprehensive as usual for your channel. Well done on putting this together.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Hey James! Thanks!

[@preeteshpatel3962]

Great review. I agree the 80mm 1.9 is up there with the 75 noctilux or even better. The way it captures, the insane diffuse bokeh, and the color rendering it delivers with the 907x is amazing. I have many m, sl, and x series lenses, and honestly this is my fav of them all.

[@ilcomendante]

Excellent comparison and review. Keep up the great work 👌🏻🥂

[@RandyPollock]

I can't think of one photographer that I follow that shoots Hasselblad, but congratulations on finishing a project that maybe a few will find helpful with their future purchases.

[@psychologienerd7546]

best review ever, thats how it should be done

[@michaelascher2693]

Great video, thank you.. And man.. Your shown photography is AMAZING !

[@baharam98]

Just the review I need. Thank you!

[@Vikingdescendent]

Amazing quality images! Very fine work. Some cameras bring us into a new level of inspiration and skill. Well done.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Thank you very much!

[@maxipilling]

The video I was waiting for! Good job, thank you so much! :)

[@PatrickKelliherlongwood]

Andrew, thank you for the review. I been saving up for a medium format camera and was really interested in the Hasselblad but was not sure with the lens choices. This was a great review of all the lenses and their capabilities. As a former Fuji shooter, I was looking at their medium format, just because I know their lenses better. This review was very helpful.

[@eurivaldobezerra]

Good job! I will purchase my X2D 100C tomorrow. You helped a lot!

[@michaelboudreau2285]

great work. I love the whole video 👍

[@peterivarsson9267]

Amazing pictures, great review

[@michelvanryswyk8560]

Andrew, Incredible video presentation on the Hasselblad lenses, just what I need as I’m switching from Nikon to Hasselblad! I watched every minute and was impressed with your review, thank you! Greetings from 🇨🇦,eH!

[@DeutschesDummyDepot]

Very helpful, I like the way you put all these lenses through the same testing situations. I use the 907X with the 45mm/f4, often with the manual focus to maximize the stunningly crisp results. Thanks for helping me dream about getting the next lense, (probably the 80/f1.9). And your pics are awesome, but you know that.

[@EricGibaud]

Fantastic video! thank you!

[@ptfap]

Thank you so much for this review, it is really a great source of information for me - a potential Hasselblad XCD buyer. Shot several Hasselblads (digital & analog) in my past years but I am really intrigued by that new XCD system. That could easily become my system of choice with a X1DII, the 4/231, 4/45P, 1,9/80 and the 3,5-4,5/35-75. We will see!

[@jialiangxu5363]

Love this X-lens guide tour video, very helpful to me a brand new Hasselblad X2D fan. Great thanks

[@ronaldsand3000]

Great review of the system

[@Caprica-Approaches]

A super overview, thank you!!

[@trond2008]

Thanks for the nice reviews!

[@Honkus]

A wonderful in depth review of each lens (better even the second time ;) ). I dream of medium format some day...some day. Your picture project we have gotten hints and peeks of looks just amazing!

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Thanks Michael!

[@nodrogkam]

Thank you for making this video, especially with the images you shared.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@113dmg9]

Awesome project concept.

[@113dmg9]

I feel "Bokeh" is overrated. With film cameras, my belief was that bokeh aberrations meant you shot wrong/badly.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Agreed

[@jeffscott2246]

thanks for the guide, andrew! 🤙🏾

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

You bet!

[@lucianboboc7513]

Great review. Thank you

[@niclasvestefjell]

Thanks for doing theese kinds of rewiews! Love every single one of them. This one was like an early Christmas present though 🤗 Beeing a X1DII user myself, I couldn’t have wished for a better walk through of all the lenses to the system. Thank you! And BTW, really nice images that you had captured (as always)! / Niclas Vestefjell, Sweden

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Thanks Niclas!

[@john_murch]

I have several friends that shoot with the X1D professionally, so I've had my opportunities to have a play. I know what you mean about the ergonomics and the form factor/design, it's exceptional Also, I agree with you on the colours straight out of the camera. Those who know, know. As far as the comprehensive lens reviews, this was a really great way to compare the full line-up. Thanks for all your effort Andrew and also, great shots!

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Thanks John!

[@andreasstolten9179]

Very nicely done. Quite helpful. The 4.0/45mm P and the 3.2/90mm are on the shopping list. (1.8/80mm is quite nice, however too hearvy for daily use.) Thanks for taking the effort.

[@Watermelon-daddy]

Awesome video, thank you!!! 👏🙏

[@khalifaalmehairbi4987]

Thank u Man U did amazing job

[@henrymaddocks984]

Lots of great shots. I like the desert panoramas, but the tractor shot @17:18 and the rural shot @ 9:54 are amazing.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Thanks Henry!

[@henrymaddocks984]

@@AndrewGoodCamera I would buy a print of that photo at 9:54

[@DB-nl9xw]

Great review

[@adreus4759]

Its amazing to see how natural and 3 dimensional the Pictures out of the Hasselblad look. Thats a look you can not replicate with a smaller sensor...

[@brucejarvie6269]

Great job, thank you!

[@matthewjethro2874]

I must have watched this run through a f handful of times now, but I must admit. I kind of want to see you go through all of the lenses in a more in depth documentarian / narrative style of review that you have done with so many Fujifilm lenses. This was always a big part of your charm for me. :D

[@PiotrPavlov]

Thank you for the video!!

[@bobsykes]

Really interesting! I love the “rural decay” photographs that you made! I, too, chose the 45/f4 P and the 80/f1.9 due to the shocking contrast and micro contrast both provide, the 80mm “look”, and I’m considering the 30/f3.5. I think it’s amusing that you ended up with the same preferences. Thank you.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Cool validation! Thanks for watching

[@KenHutchins]

Hasselblad had a lens webinar Spring of 2020. One of the designers of the 30mm was the featured on the video (available on KZbin). It is one of their better lenses.

[@bobsykes]

@@KenHutchins Thank you.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

@@walkingmeditation61 If you're not needing the lower f-stop, yeah I don't think you'll notice enough difference to warrant the larger expense.

[@HenryAni]

I love watching reviews of all the fine things I can not afford.

[@JohnKrill]

I do have a question: Who makes the lenses?

[@HenryAni]

@@JohnKrill DJI in china.

[@toe247]

@@HenryAni No, they are all made in Japan. The company is owned by DJI. Two different things.

[@ako9212]

You might be surprised. The og X1d can be had for a bargain, and the 45 p regularly sells for less than 900 used. I saw a brand new one for 700 today.

[@christoombes7875]

Once again top marks for such a comprehensive review which I’m sure anyone looking to buy into the system will find invaluable. For me I just really enjoyed the photographic journey, stunning photos of such a beautiful area. Thanks for sharing, stay safe

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Thanks Chris!

[@AndyMillerPhotoUK]

Thanks for this vid and the work you put into the research. I bought my X1DII at the start of lockdown in the UK having been a lifetime Nikon shooter. I now own one body and 6 of these plus a 300mm H series and the XH adapter. the 85mm/1.9 is extraordinary, but then so are the 120 & 135 (with its T/C). In relation to the XCD glass and X1D II I agree with your overall conclusions -- I do not use mine stopped down beyond f/16 -- Having tested the sensor on the X1D and given it an overall score of 102, I asked DXO MARK if they would test some/all of the XCD lenses -- I would like to see dispersion levels measured and YES as you found f/22 is likely to be less than green. With focus stacking and all the other ways to shoot I wonder why anyone needs to stop down beyond the best performance range for a lense -- diffraction and other effects always come into play when shooting "overly" closed down.

[@jvphelan1]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@mackrun7029]

Great video. Leica S lenses are also very consistent.

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Still a great video after the re-upload. Even greater, in fact :-)

[@c73w]

I recommend using the new lenses and telling us your thoughts with the X2D 100C 🔥😍

[@tcidenebtube]

Great review, Thank you so much :-)

[@mikjan2728]

Nice photos!!!

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Thanks!

[@winedemonium]

What a great review idea and execution. I'm really grateful for this review. First time around I tried the X1D v1 with 45/3.5 and 90/3.2 and though I loved the form factor, found the camera not fully implemented well, and the lenses so-so. But this time around, with lenses like the 45P and 80/1.9, together with the moderate upgrades in the v2 (and 907X), the system is back on the radar. Your review is super helpful! Also, great work. I like your project. Will you publish a book?

[@gameshoes]

I have the 45p and the 90mm as they were the two most affordable (and sensible pair) out of the bunch. I’ve been enjoying them. However, I feel like the 45p hunts like crazy, even for the slightest adjustments. The 90mm autofocus is way more confident. When I do get perfect focus though, muah, chef’s kiss. I am eyeing that 135mm + teleconverter as well. As for those who are discussing the price... it ain’t cheap but it’s not unaffordable. I’m just a sales associate in a big box retailer (pay was recently upped to $15/hr); I have a mortgage; I don’t have a partner to help me financially. And I bought the X1D II with the two lenses. Just plan out your finances. You’ll be surprised at how much you can afford when you do some good planning. For those saying that the system isn’t “worth it” are just envious.

[@havocproltd]

I really appreciate your comment. I have a pair of D850's and a boatload of Nikon glass and yet, I just pulled the trigger on a X1D ii with a 45p. I CAN afford this stuff and it's STILL ridiculous! I'm not really a "pro" but I do cash a check for some photo work once in a while. I got tired of being envious. But rentals are cheap so that's MY plan for deciding on more lenses. Of course, if that adapter for Nikon lenses ever becomes available again and it works.....

[@ADFCHRONICLES]

nice shots.

[@rojpix]

yeah pretty helpful I bought the 35-75 with mine not sure about getting another lens

[@BaddFrogg777]

Excellent review. Hoping 2022 Hasselblad brings 4K video to it's next body.

[@leonardnorwitz3537]

They already have it: H6D-100c

[@nathanhirschphotography871]

We are on the same page about bokeh being overrated and external focus movement in lenses (boo!). Great overview of this system!

[@posefotografiaspose276]

gostei muito bem explicado e detalhado.

[@andrewthompson5609]

Great work. One thing I noticed is you kept mentioning was the not perfectly round Bokeh. There is a setting in the menu system of the X1d to allow for round Bokeh. It was an update quite awhile ago. If you turn that on it cleans it up very nicely.

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Right. I did mention that. I didn't know about that until after I'd tested with most lenses, however.

[@razobaghd1696]

I've got all these lenses , I mean their brochures. They are nice.

[@GKhanKutar]

Thanks for the video. X1D II is a beautiful camera with great colors. I would go with 45mm F4 and 80mm F1.9 if I buy the system. But I still think X1D camera needs some upgrade like new sensor and joystick for better autofocus. Also better 5.76M EVF same as GFX100. I am using GFX100 with 45mm F2.8 and 110mm F2 lenses which are amazing. I am waiting for upcoming GF 80mm F1.7.

[@sgroadie6367]

Nice. Please do one with adapted HC and HCD lenses.

[@PiotrPavlov]

20:05 photo is soooooo cooooool!!!

[@AndrewGoodCamera]

Thanks!

[@user-nl8ig8yk1s]

great work! lens testing part is pretty interesting and helpful. Now I'm wondering what should I get after 45p...:)

[@ruben619448]

I’m considering the new 907x but I just don’t know what lens. This was very helpful.

[@luissalazar2021]

Outstanding job. I wish if they could make a 110 mm

[@LarryShootsPhotos-uv8cr]

Just what I came for! I'm going to get the unfashionable 3.2 90mm, its very affordable in the used market, and I want something to complement my 28p & 45p. I feel this will be a great portrait and landscape addition, and I've never had a client look at or comment on bokeh :-)

[@seanl3121]

Very helpful review, thank you. I guess you mentioned, but there is a firmware update, when toggled-on it gives you round bokeh when lenses are shot wide open (rather than the hexagonal mentioned here).

[@andyvan5692]

Andrew, also if the 35-75 is not quite your 'cup of tea' ; try the Leica equivalent MF system the S and S2, or the SL, these have a 24-90 mm zoom in their respective lens mount system, which is as you say longer at each end of the ranges :-)

[@howardcarterrt3645]

Might be time to do another review to include the new releases in your comprehensive guide

[@feherberci]

Thank you for the video - you should ask a comission from Hasselblad. I was a professional photographer and decided to retire due to my 3 decade experience in the international media. It is not about my age just wanted to change. But I still love photography so decided to keep only one set and sell the others. After your videos I bought an X1DII and 4 lenses from Hasselblad. (Kept two other lenses: Canon TS24 and Zeiss Otus 85 and using with adapter…) I am enjoying the being a hobby photographer.

[@calvinchann1996]

Great. I’ve got the 45P to go with my 907x and am thinking about where to go. The 90 is a very likely, but unsure about the wider end. So, after watching the video, I’m going to go with the 30 (over the 21) and 80 (over the 90) in addition to the 45P that I already have.

[@sansjamin]

I actually shoot action with the 135mm - all I have to say is that when you nail the shot, there's nothing that can come close to the color rendering and depth -- it turns action into art.

[@johnnychin4777]

Please make an update video for the 38mm, 55mm, and 90mm new lenses!